If you've ever experienced a raw feeling on the eyes after a cold burst of air hits them, then you've probably experienced dry eyes. But when dry eye occurs as a syndrome, symptoms such as rawness, grittiness and watery eyes occur persistently and forcefully, not just on occasion. Many sufferers can attest to the problematic consequences dry eye syndrome can produce, and because of this, they often seek help from an eye care professional.
Mechanism
The Guidelines From the 2007 International Dry Eye Workshop defines dry eye syndrome as a multifaceted problem of the tear film and ocular surface, which can disrupt vision and comfort. A healthy tear film sits atop of the eye and ideally provides moisture and lubrication to the eyes for maximum comfort. When there is damage or insufficiency to the tear film or the eye surface, symptoms of dryness occur. With dry eye syndrome, the quality of the tear film may be poor, production of the tear film may be too low or part of the film may be evaporating too quickly. An inflamed ocular surface usually accompanies these problems and, collectively, it all leads to dry eye syndrome.
Significance
The incidence of dry eye syndrome, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, increases with age, according to MedlinePlus. Because fewer tears are produced by the body as we age, the symptoms of dryness occur more often. The scope of the problem affects as many as 20 percent of those over the age of 45, a 2001 study in the "Survey of Ophthalmology" states. Dry eye syndrome is a public health concern because it can affect vision and comfort and reduce quality of life. For this reason, there's been much research looking at the mechanisms of this disorder and treatment options.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dry eye can be wide ranging, from minimally problematic to overwhelming. Sometimes only a subtle irritation or scratchiness is reported. Other times a persistent foreign body sensation and discomfort occur. Grittiness or a raw, burning sensation are common descriptors of dry eye symptoms Though not seemingly a logical byproduct of dry eye, watery eyes are another way the body responds to dryness.
Causes
Dry eye syndrome can occur on its own or as a byproduct of another disorder, such as Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that brings along with it significant dry eye symptoms. An injury to the eye, such as a chemical or thermal burn or a drooping eyelid, can also result in dry eyes. When dry eye syndrome does not occur as a result of another disease, aging is one of the most significant factors. The older a person is, the more likely the individual suffers from dry eye symptoms because of the decrease in tear production. Irritating air like smoke, secondhand smoke or dry air from an air-conditioner often exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Contact lenses are also known to irritate and increase symptoms of dryness, as do allergy and cold medications.
Treatments
An eye doctor can evaluate the eyes for dry eye signs, which include a thickened cornea and reduced tear film quality or quantity. Treatments include lubrication with artificial tears or ointments, usually recommended on an ongoing and consistent basis. If over-the-counter drops are not working well, prescription lubricant drops that address the inflammation of the eye surface may be helpful. Be careful not to use drops that remove the redness from the eyes; these are not artificial tears and should not be used to treat dry eye. Contact lens wearers should use lubricant rewetting eye drops made specifically for use with contact lenses. Punctal plugs are another option. These small plugs are inserted into the ducts lining the eyelids and may help retain tears on the eyes and reduce dryness symptoms. Behavioral changes like avoiding smoke and dry environments as well as blinking more frequently can also help.
References
- MedlinePlus: Dry Eye Syndrome
- "Survey of Ophthalmology"; Dry Eyes: The Scale of the Problem; H. Brewitt, F. Sistani; 2001
- Guidelines From the 2007 International Dry Eye Workshop
- "Wills Eye Manual"; Douglas Rhee and Mark Pyfer; 1999
